A hot, dry and windy afternoon greeted the 6,000+ fans at Jake Christiansen Stadium Saturday as the Cobbers faced the undefeated Johnnies. It was family day at Concordia, and that contributed to the excellent crowd. The fans were confident that their very capable team could cobble up another victory over the Johnnies; maybe repeating last years 9-6 win at Clemens Stadium.
The first half showed us an excellent offensive Concordia team as they marched down the field on three separate occasions, only to fumble in the red zone both times. On the one scoring drive, a nice pass play scored the touchdown, but Jack Dagget again blocked an extra point.
The Johnnies offense was as productive gaining yards, but was able to score with a field goal and a touchdown on a dandy 25 yard pass from Boyle to Overman.
As I walked the sidelines in and around the team today, I noticed a sense of true team unity that hasn’t been as evident in the recent past. Of course, the mood of any team is positive when they are winning. But the Johnnies have been winning the last two seasons, with a defense that insured victories performing incredible goal line stands and amazing secondary play.
From my perspective, there was a sense of the Defense Johnnies, and the Offense Johnnies. The offense struggled to score effectively, and the defense on many occasions were asked to step up and cement a victory. Today in particular, and this season in general, we see a football team with both sides of the ball showing fallibility along with excellence. The games are not won or lost by one specific group, the entire team is working together, getting the job done. On more than one occasion this afternoon, there were aggressive congratulatory displays from both groups, cheering one another on to a complete Johnnie victory.
As the second half unfolded, the defense made their always pertinent adjustments, effectively closing down the Cobber scoring threats. The offense continued to click with a well-designed mix of run and pass. Both sides contributed effectively today, and both sides recognized each other’s efforts.
A confident quarterback, deep threats, and strong running are components of an excellent offense developing. The strength and experience of the front and middle of the defensive unit, and the weekly improvements in the secondary are showing us a Johnnie defense that may bend at times but won’t break. The apparent joy of working as a team, the realization that all contribute, and the belief in the ever-present Johnnie Magic will continue to coalesce this team into a unified challenge for all comers.
Nicely done, Johnnies! you had a hell-of-a day today.